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Okello Max reveals how Fally Ipupa inspired him to pursue music
04th September, 2026 06:22 AM
Kenyan musician and songwriter Okello Max has revealed that Congolese music superstar Fally Ipupa played a significant role in inspiring him to pursue a career in music.
Okello, known for his soulful fusion of Luo rhythms and contemporary sounds, made the revelation on Thursday, September 3, 2026, while reflecting on his connection with the Congolese star, who is currently in Kenya ahead of his highly anticipated concert.
“I started music because of Fally Ipupa. My friend was the one who introduced me to his music,” Okello Max said during a press briefing in Nairobi.
The revelation comes at a significant moment for the Kenyan artiste, who is set to share the stage with the Congolese superstar during his upcoming performance.
Okello expressed his admiration for Fally, describing the opportunity to be around the musician as a major honour.
“So sitting next to him is an honour. I love your work, sir. I am also honoured to be sharing a stage with him,” he added.
Why Fally Ipupa is in Kenya
Fally Ipupa landed in Nairobi on Thursday, September 3, 2026, ahead of his highly anticipated concert scheduled for Saturday, September 5, at Uhuru Gardens. The Congolese superstar told journalists after his arrival that he was excited to return to Kenya and promised fans a memorable performance.
Fally also expressed his love for Kenya, recalling his previous visit and revealing that he was looking forward to enjoying nyama choma during his stay.
“I’m very happy to be here. I was here a long time ago, but I like Nyama Toma. I love Kenya a lot,” Fally said.
His Nairobi show is expected to bring together several artistes, with Okello Max among the Kenyan performers set to share the stage with the celebrated Congolese musician.
For Okello, the moment represents more than just another performance, considering the influence Fally’s music has had on his own artistic journey.
Okello Max’s musical journey
Okello’s musical journey began long before he became a recognised name in Kenya’s music scene.
He previously revealed that his late uncle introduced him to church choir sessions, where he discovered his vocal abilities. He also grew up in a home where music was constantly played.
“I started doing music time nilikuwa nko church and my late uncle, yeye ndio alinishikilia kunipeleka church, kuimba choir na wazee, and then after that I grew up in a family where music was always playing,” Okello previously said.
Growing up in Lamu also exposed him to different sounds, including rhumba and taarab, which later influenced his musical identity.
His career has since grown from working as a background vocalist to becoming a solo artiste, with his breakthrough coming in 2019 when he featured as a background singer on Sauti Sol’s “Extravaganza”. He released his debut single, “Kiss”, the same year.
Now, years after beginning his musical journey, Okello is preparing to share a stage with one of the artistes who helped inspire that journey in the first place.
